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E Giddy, Qiday .from the Valley l By Christine Reaburn Spring is a new beginning, a chance to reâ€"start or begin a new chapter in our lives. It is time to prepare the fields for seeding and our gardens for planting. The geese have returned, the frogs are singing and new growth is emerging from the land. April and May was a time of renewal for members as Branches and Districts herâ€" aided the start of a new program year. We have been invigorated, planning meetings, courses, workshops and rallies with an abundance of choices. Will it be PHONEBUSTERS. the ROSE Health Program, FWIC‘s LINKS Project \\\ l //,;.. or ACWW? Or, maybe your programs will focus on local requirements and needs? The beginning of a new program year is also an opportune time to think about mem- bership recruitment As an organization we have so much to offer. Often referred to in the past as the Rural Women’s University. the Women‘s Institute can offer a wide range of benefits to members. Benefits which would attract new members, include acquiring leadership skills and self confi- dence and current information on health. safety, agriculture, food, crafts, technol- ogy, globalization and travel. The Women’s Institute offers many opportunities for travel, whether it is aday- long excursion to a place of interest or attending a conference or convention at the Area, Provincial, National or International level. Members from across Canada will be gathering in Brandon. Manitoba, this June for the Triennial Convention of the Federated Women‘s Institutes of Canada. In June 2001 ACWW members from around the world will gather in Hamilton for the 23rd Triennial Conference. Whatever this new WI year brings for you, may it be rewarding and satisfying, The Board enjoys hearing from members and learning of their projects, successes and influences in the lives ofcommunities. ‘Til next time! Christine Reabum is the President of FWIO. She can be reached at RR r, West/Tieth ON K01 2L0. Phone: 51375823569, Fax: 5135323550, Email: christinereabum@hotmail.com Royal Treatment at the Royal What better show case for the Federated Women‘s Institutes of Ontario (FWIO) than the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair (RAWF)! Literally thousands of visitors pour by our booth. year after year. With a little help from our WI volunteers, we have the ability to tell a great story to visitors who stop to learn a little more about the Women‘s Institute. Extellente in Agriculture Award Once again, in partnership with the RAWF, FWIO will present their “Excellence in Agriculture Award" to a woman who is a Canadian citizen residing in Canada and has contributed to the RAWF in an outstanding manner over a period of time. Do you have a woman in your community who fits this criteria? This is a wonderful opportunity to recognize a woman from your area! Applications are available through the FWIO Provincial Office and on their Website at www.fwia.0n.ca The recipient, also known as the First Lady of the Royal, will be honoured at the Women‘s Day Luncheon and at the Opening Horse Show held the same day, But you can also honour her locally. Tell the press; they will no doubt feature her story! Women's Day luncheon - Friday, November 3 Friday, November 3, 2000, is Women’s Day at the Royal and ‘ie RAWF Committee is hopeful of hosting a gala luncheon and prominent speaker. We encourage you to attend the Royal Horse Show and see the First Lady of the Royal, and the WI, receive attention in the spotlight before an opening night crowd. Watch for and ask about details and prices, forthcoming on the FWIO Website, in Board Briefings mailed on a regular basis to Provincial Advisory Councillors (PAC) and in the fall Hume & Country. The Luncheon will only succeed if members attend! Show the general public just how much you believe in the Women's Institute. Show the RAWF Committee your support ofthis effort. Women’s Day at the Royal should be a reflection of our enthusi- asm for the WI, so plan to attend. Make it a Branch affair! The WI Booth at the Royal This year, the WI Booth plans to incorporate the new Health Program. The RAWF Committee is hoping to have some exciting new items at their sales table. Watch for more details in the fall issue of Home & Country. The Committee is also working on 11 host of interesting topics to be featured over the ten days of the Fair. Volunteers are needed to help out at the WI Booth at the Royal. Please contact the Committee Chair, Betty Veitch, at 701728â€" l539. Keep watching and listening for more details about the Royal. And remember, make it a Branch affair! Home 5. Country, Summer 2000 3